Big inter-agency effort: 2,000 Activity Packs for children aged 4 to 12 years being distributed to support Louth families staying at home at this time.
The initiative has been led by and jointly funded by Louth Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) and The Genesis Programme (lead agency Louth leader Partnership).
They have worked in collaboration with early years services, schools, community groups, Tusla, Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and School Completion Programmes amongst others. A Steering Group comprising representatives of these organisations have overseen the development of the initiative.
Packing took place at assembly centres in Drogheda (Marymount NS), Dundalk (Redeemer Resource Centre) and Ardee (Parish Centre) by 45 volunteers observing all public health guidelines.
Activity Packs readied, over 70 services, schools, agencies and organisations collected their allocation of Activity Packs at designated pick-up times from their local centre.
The packs were delivered to 2,000 families across County Louth. Each pack contained colouring books, craft packs, balls, skipping ropes, chalk games and lots more - 15 items in total. The packs also included a beautiful Louth Heritage colouring book, which was reprinted especially for the packs.
The Packs were designed for 4-12 year olds. The contents were also chosen to support minimal parental support demands as it was felt that the capacity of parents will vary for different reasons at this time – personal issues, working from home, working out of home and caring for other family members for example. The packs are designed so that children can open out the contents and get on with playing.
Joanne Murphy, Louth CYPSC Co-ordinator noted that
"Louth CYPSC are delighted to support this initiative. During this Public Health crisis, it is so important that children's wellbeing and development are supported through play. All the county's children and young people’s services are to be congratulated in bringing this initiative to fruition. In addition, special mention needs to go to The Genesis Programme who have worked tirelessly on the project. We look forward to hearing and seeing all the fun children will have with the Activity Packs."
And Hugh Doogan, Programme Manager with The Genesis Programme said:
"It has been a huge logistical challenge as much as anything with over 30,000 items being sourced, sorted and then distributed. However, there has been great goodwill and as always here in Louth a lot of collaboration. It was great to work closely again on a project with Louth CYPSC."
If you would like more information on this project please contact:
Joanne Murphy